• Skip to Content
  • AZ Index
  • Catalog Home

Salve Header Audience Menu

  • Future Students
  • Current Students
  • Faculty and Staff
  • Alumni
  • Families

Salve Header Icon Menu


  • SALVEtoday(opens in new window)

  • Give
Salve Regina University
  • About
  • Admission
  • Academics
  • Student life
  • Athletics

Humanities

  • Home›
  • Graduate and Professional Studies Catalog›
  • Academic Programs›
  • Humanities
  • Overview
  • Programmatic Student Learning Outcomes
  • Programs
  • Courses

Program Director
Dr. Sean O’Callaghan
(401) 341-3166

Associate Director
Dr. Troy Catterson
(401) 341-4678

Classes are offered at our Newport campus.

About the Ph.D. Program

The Ph.D. offers the humanities as a foundation for understanding a world of accelerating and complex change. Cultivating expertise in traditional humanities fields and building skills as contemporary interdisciplinary scholars, students pursue doctoral research that makes a difference; bridging disciplines and exploring questions of human meaning in a dynamic study of the past, present and future. The humanities Ph.D. was inaugurated in 1989 as an interdisciplinary investigation of the question, "What does it mean to be human in an age of advanced technology?" In one form or another, this question still commands attention in the 21st century. The human-technology relationship remains at the heart of the curriculum allowing students to draw insights and integrate knowledge from a variety of fields: religion, philosophy and ethics; art, literature and new media; history, politics and cultural theory. Students begin by choosing a program area of inquiry that is relevant to their preliminary research problem or issue. Building upon previous studies, professional and life experience, students choose their concentration from four areas of inquiry rooted in the scholarly expertise of faculty, the history of the doctoral program and Mercy mission of Salve Regina University:

  • Technology, Science and Society
  • Culture, Language and Memory
  • Global Ethics and Human Security
  • Community, Self and Social Transformation

Each area presents a different web of possible relationships linking a range of theoretical issues, debates and practical problems with relevant methodologies and modes of inquiry from the humanities and social sciences. Students use the program area of inquiry to leverage prior knowledge and study, work and life experience in developing their own individualized foundation that leads to problem-focused and integrated interdisciplinary research and a distinguished doctoral dissertation.

Humanities (Ph.D.) Student Learning Outcomes

At the completion of the program, students will be able to:

  1. Interpret and evaluate primary evidence and literature, to explain and critique subject matter and perspectives from the Humanities and from the area of inquiry and specific concentration fields. Students will be able to succinctly explain and summarize state of knowledge in fields relevant to the area of inquiry and dissertation research in oral and written form.
  2. Engage in research that crosses the boundaries of traditional academic disciplines.
  3. Demonstrate advanced knowledge of a focused area in the Humanities and in their chosen area of inquiry.
  4. Be adept at clearly formulating and defending a complex argument for a thesis. They will be able to choose a methodology that is appropriate to proving their thesis.
  5. Bring a specific area of the Humanities into dialog with a particular area of technology and/or science.

(Source: Assessment Report 2022)

Doctorates

  • Humanities Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
HUM-500:  Research Methods  (3 Credits)  

Students explore various research techniques and then apply that knowledge to an analysis of existing research and to designing and implementing their own research projects. The course includes preparation of appropriate research questions, a literature review, qualitative and quantitative approaches, research designs, threats to internal and external validity, sampling techniques, data collection methods, and ethical considerations. A basic overview of the application of research methods to program evaluation is provided. Ethical issues are explored in some depth.

HUM-501:  Social and Ethical Issues: A Global Perspective  (3 Credits)  

With the explosion of worldwide communications, the globalization of the economy, and the increase of international conflicts, this course takes a global perspective on major ethical issues impacting our daily lives as members of a world community. From business to world politics, students will examine enduring ethical concepts. Case studies will be used to explore contemporary applications to such concerns as armed conflict, overpopulation, global degradation, and education and literacy. This course will encourage students to seek solutions to improve the world in which we live.

HUM-503:  Global and Comparative Literature I  (3 Credits)  

Classic authors of major influence in world literature are discussed in relation to the humanities. Emphasis is directed to recurrent themes in drama, fiction, and poetry that can enrich contemporary appreciation of universal human values as they have been expressed through the ages.

HUM-504:  Global and Comparative Literature II  (3 Credits)  

In this study of such major authors as Plato, Racine, Shakespeare, Goethe, Flaubert and Tolstoy, students continue to read and discuss classic works of major significance. Emphasis is placed on the critical analysis of the works with a view toward understanding and appreciating them not just in their own time period and culture, but also in an attempt to discover how they can both reflect and illuminate contemporary experience.

HUM-505:  Global Traditions and Area Studies I  (3 Credits)  

This course focuses on the distinctive cultural achievements that characterize the seminal traditions and civilizations of the ancient Near East and Mediterranean, and early modern Europe. Students examine the emergence of the humanities as a factor shaping modern Western cultural identity.

HUM-506:  Global Traditions and Area Studies II  (3 Credits)  

This course focuses on the cultures and traditions of the eastern world. The arts, wisdom, and ways of life defining the regional traditions and civilizations of the Middle East and Asia are considered in a cross-cultural survey that provides a foundation for comprehending today's global dilemmas and opportunities.

HUM-510:  A History of Technology  (3 Credits)  

This course investigates technology's impact on the human condition throughout history. Considered in this investigation are advances in technology based on human ingenuity, observation, and experimentation. Practical examples are taken from fields such as agriculture, communication, education, manufacturing, medicine, and business.

HUM-545:  Research Colloquium  (1-3 Credits)  

Research colloquium may be taken for 1-3 credits to fulfill the doctoral research requirement.

HUM-581:  Special Topics  (3 Credits)  

Students explore topics of special interest in the humanities.

HUM-590:  M.A. Thesis  (6 Credits)  

Students may decide to write a six-credit thesis under appropriate faculty direction and with the permission of the program director. Details are established prior to registration and in consultation with the thesis supervisor and the program director.

HUM-591:  Independent Study  (3 Credits)  

A focused study on a subject outside the graduate catalog, an independent study provides opportunity for original and in-depth research on a specific topic or regional issue of the candidate's interest and professional focus. It is an important part of the curriculum and should be used to supplement existing coursework. A student selects a topic of research from a single field of learning or one which is interdisciplinary and prepares a research paper to be submitted at the end of the semester (recommended minimum of 20 pages). The quality of the research paper should be appropriate to graduate level research. A list of preliminary readings and/or assignments and a means of assessment/evaluation are clearly defined in advance of the study. A minimum GPA of 3.2 is required.

HUM-598:  Internship III  (3 Credits)  

This internship is comprised of individual work experience or a project in an organization (normally off-campus) under the supervision of a practicing professional and structured by a Salve Regina University faculty member. Although the specific nature of the internship varies with the student's academic interest, there should be a close relationship between the program of study and the non-academic setting. The internship is a supervised learning experience for academic credit typically consisting of a minimum of 120 hours (40/credit) of on-the-job experience occurring within a semester. The number of hours may be reduced if the internship involves significantly more writing as required by the faculty.

HUM-600:  Humanities Problems and Perspectives  (3 Credits)  

Focused on the history of ideas, students survey core readings in the humanities. Perspectives, problems and debates concerning the human relationship to culture and technology are considered in the fields of philosophy, religion, literature, history and art. This course lays the interdisciplinary foundation for the related methods course, HUM-618, and later dissertation work. Students prepare an interdisciplinary bibliographic essay on a significant humanities problem or debate.

HUM-605:  Philosophical Perspectives on Digital Age  (3 Credits)  
Pre-requisite(s): HUM-600 and HUM-618 or permission of program director are required.  

This course provides opportunities for students to investigate technology in historical context as the organization and institutionalization of knowledge for practical purposes. Students examine the effects of technology on the traditional human wisdom that has served as a stabilizing force throughout history.

HUM-610:  Religion, Culture and Technology  (3 Credits)  
Pre-requisite(s): HUM-600 and HUM-618 or permission of program director are required.  

This course examines the interaction between religion, culture, the human person and the earth, using both general theories of religion and particular traditions. Areas explored include interpretations of technology, science, work, social justice, spirituality, morality, evil and death.

HUM-617:  Political Philosophy and Technology  (3 Credits)  
Pre-requisite(s): HUM-600 and HUM-618 or permission of program director are required.  

This course examines the role that technology plays in creating political systems that are just and fair. After looking at the origins of the Western liberal tradition in the political philosophy of Plato and Aristotle, we then trace a line of thinking through Locke, Jefferson, and Kant. We close with readings from the contemporary political philosopher John Rawls. Our final objective is to determine the effects particular technological advances have had on the evolution of Western political liberalism and on the adaptability of modern liberal democracy to the developing world.

HUM-618:  Humanities Theory, Method and the Disciplines  (3 Credits)  

This course surveys research methods and theoretical frameworks in the humanities. Students review basic critical and empirical research methods, pure vs. applied research, and quantitative vs. qualitative approaches. Models that combine scholarly perspectives are emphasized, as well as major debates concerning the uses of evidence, theory and method within and across disciplines. Case studies focus on humanities approaches and questions as they intersect with the dilemmas of technological society.

HUM-620:  Social Transformation Through Art  (3 Credits)  
Pre-requisite(s): HUM-600 and HUM-618 or permission of program director are required.  

Students examine social change as reflected in, and caused by, the imagery of art. The course critiques important connections among art, technology and philosophical ideas expressed during periods of significant technological progress.

HUM-621:  A History of Technology  (3 Credits)  

This course investigates technology's impact on the human condition throughout history. Considered in this investigation are advances in technology based on human ingenuity, observation, and experimentation. Practical examples are taken from fields such as agriculture, communication, education, manufacturing, medicine, and business.

HUM-625:  Ethics and Modern Technology  (3 Credits)  
Pre-requisite(s): HUM-600 and HUM-618 or permission of program director are required.  

Guided by the key principles of traditional western ethics - human dignity, justice, freedom, goodness, the common good and truth telling - this course considers how modern technology affects the human experience. Selected moral questions arising from the use of science-based and capital-driven technology are examined, e.g., the search for a more comprehensive ethic than the cost-benefit calculations of popular utilitarianism.

HUM-630:  Modern Literature and the Human Condition  (3 Credits)  
Pre-requisite(s): HUM-600 and HUM-618 or permission of program director are required.  

This course is based on imaginative works that reflect conflicting moral and technological dilemmas of contemporary life. Classes focus on a range of major authors whose fiction, drama and poetry illumine the human situation in the 21st century.

HUM-635:  Culture, Society and the Global Condition  (3 Credits)  

This course offers a final opportunity for students to integrate perspectives drawn from coursework in the broader humanities with work in their chosen program areas. Students and faculty work to develop a synthetic understanding of the global condition relative to accelerating technological changes and diverse cultural and societal influences. This course precedes the comprehensive examination and admission into the dissertation phase. It must be taken as the last 600-level humanities course.

HUM-645:  Research Colloquium  (1-3 Credits)  

Research colloquium may be taken for 1-3 credits to fulfill the doctoral research requirement.

HUM-680:  Dissertation Research & Writing  (3 Credits)  

Students are expected to enroll in Dissertation Research and Writing each fall and spring until the final version of the dissertation is accepted. Mentoring and guidance is provided to the student during the process of researching, writing, revising and defending the dissertation.

2022-2023 Edition

  • Undergraduate Catalog
    • Introduction
    • Admissions
    • Financial Information
    • Financial Aid
    • Student Affairs
    • Academic Policies
    • The Curriculum and Degree Programs
    • Academic Programs
      • American Studies
        • American Studies (B.A.)
      • Art and Art History
        • Art History (B.A.)
        • Art History Minor
        • Studio Art (B.A.)
        • Studio Art Minor
      • Biology
        • Biology (B.A.)
        • Biology (B.S.)
        • Biology (B.S.) Leading to Pharm.D.
        • Biology and Secondary Education (B.A.S.)
        • Biology Minor
        • Medical Technology (B.S.)
        • Neuroscience Minor
      • Business and Economics
        • Accounting (B.S.)
        • Accounting Minor
        • Business Administration (B.S.)
        • Business Administration Minor
        • Economics (B.A.)
        • Economics (B.S.)
        • Economics Minor
        • Entrepreneurship Minor
        • Finance (B.S.)
        • Finance Minor
        • Global Business and Economics (B.S.)
        • Global Business and Economics Minor
        • Healthcare Administration (B.S.)
        • Healthcare Administration Minor
        • Hospitality and Tourism Management Minor
        • Marketing (B.S.)
        • Marketing Minor
        • Mathematical Finance Minor
        • Sports Management Minor
      • Chemistry
        • Biochemistry (B.A.)
        • Biochemistry (B.A.) Leading to Pharm.D.
        • Biochemistry (B.S.)
        • Chemistry &​ Secondary Education (B.A.S.)
        • Chemistry (B.A.)
        • Chemistry (B.A.) Leading to Chemical or Biomedical Engineering (B.S.)
        • Chemistry (B.S.)
        • Chemistry Minor
      • Criminal Justice and Criminology
        • Criminal Justice and Criminology (A.A.)
        • Criminal Justice and Criminology (B.A.)
        • Criminal Justice and Criminology Minor
      • Cultural and Historic Preservation
        • Cultural and Historic Preservation (B.A.)
        • Cultural and Historic Preservation Minor
      • Cultural, Environmental and Global Studies
        • Environmental Studies (B.A.)
        • Environmental Studies Minor
        • Food Studies Minor
        • Global Studies (B.A.)
        • Global Studies Minor
        • Sociology and Anthropology (B.A.)
        • Sociology and Anthropology Minor
        • Women, Gender and Sexuality Studies Minor
      • Education
        • Secondary Education (B.A.S.)
        • Early Childhood and Special Education (B.S.)
        • Early Childhood Education (B.S.)
        • Elementary Education (B.S.)
        • Elementary Education and Special Education (B.S.)
        • Music Education (B.A.S.)
        • Secondary Education Minor
        • Special Education Minor
      • Engineering (3+2 Dual Degree)
        • Chemistry (B.A.) leading to Chemical or Biomedical Engineering (B.S.)
        • Mathematics (B.A.) leading to Electrical, Mechanical, or Systems Science and Engineering (B.S.)
      • English for Academic Purposes
      • English, Communications and Media
        • Communications (B.A.)
        • Communications Minor
        • Creative Writing and Publishing (B.A.)
        • Creative Writing Minor
        • Film Minor (Interdisciplinary)
        • Literature (B.A.)
        • Literature and Secondary Education (B.A.S.)
        • Literature Minor
      • General Studies
      • History
        • American History (B.A.)
        • European History (B.A.)
        • History and Secondary Education (B.A.S.)
        • History Minor
      • Liberal Studies
      • Mathematical Sciences
        • Data Analytics Minor
        • Dual Degree Mathematics (B.A.) and Data Science (M.S.)
        • Mathematical Finance Minor
        • Mathematics (B.A.)
        • Mathematics (B.A.) leading to Electrical, Mechanical, or Systems Science and Engineering (B.S.)
        • Mathematics and Secondary Education (B.A.S.)
        • Mathematics Minor
      • Modern Languages
        • French (B.A.)
        • French Minor
        • Italian Studies Minor
        • Spanish (B.A.)
        • Spanish Minor
        • Spanish Minor for Health and Service Professions
        • World Languages Education -​ French (B.A.S.)
        • World Languages Education -​ Spanish (B.A.S.)
      • Music, Theatre and Dance
        • Dance (B.A.)
        • Dance Minor
        • Music (B.A.)
        • Music Education (B.A.S.)
        • Music Minor
        • Theatre Arts (B.A.)
        • Theatre Arts Minor
      • Nursing
        • Nursing (B.S.)
      • Pell Honors Program
      • Pharmacy (3+3 Dual Degree)
        • Biochemistry (B.A.) Leading to Pharm.D.
        • Biology (B.S.) Leading to Pharm.D.
      • Philosophy
        • Philosophy (B.A.)
        • Philosophy Minor
      • Political Science and International Relations
        • Political Science (B.A.)
        • Political Science Minor
      • Psychology
        • ABA Minor
        • Psychology (B.A.)
        • Psychology Minor
      • Religious and Theological Studies
        • Religious and Theological Studies (B.A.)
        • Religious and Theological Studies Minor
      • Social Work
        • Human Services Minor
        • Social Work (B.S.)
    • Course Descriptions
      • Accounting (ACC)
      • Administration of Justice (ADJ)
      • American Studies (AST)
      • Applied Technology (APT)
      • Arabic (ARA)
      • Art (ART)
      • Biochemistry (BCH)
      • Biology (BIO)
      • Chemistry (CHM)
      • Chinese (CHN)
      • Computer Science (CSC)
      • Criminal Justice &​ Criminology (CJC)
      • Cultural &​ Historic Preservation (CHP)
      • Cultural, Environmental and Global Studies (CEG)
      • Dance (DNC)
      • Data Science Analytics (DSA)
      • Early Childhood Education (ELC)
      • Economics (ECN)
      • Elementary Education (EDC)
      • English (ENG)
      • English for Academic Purposes (EAP)
      • Environmental Studies (ENV)
      • First Year Transitions (FYT)
      • French (FRN)
      • General Studies (GST)
      • German (GRM)
      • Global Studies (GLO)
      • Health Care Administration (HCA)
      • History (HIS)
      • Italian (ITL)
      • Latin (LAT)
      • Linguistics (LIN)
      • Management &​ Business Admin (MGT)
      • Mathematics (MTH)
      • Medical Technology (MET)
      • Military Science &​ Leadership (MSL)
      • Music History &​ Theory (MSC)
      • Music Instruction (Individual) (MSI)
      • Music Performance (MSP)
      • Nursing (NUR)
      • Pell Honors Program (PEL)
      • Philosophy (PHL)
      • Physics (PHY)
      • Political Science (POL)
      • Portuguese (PTG)
      • Psychology (PSY)
      • Religious &​ Theolog Studies (RTS)
      • Science (SCI)
      • Secondary Education (SCD)
      • Social Work (SWK)
      • Sociology and Anthropology (SOA)
      • Spanish (SPA)
      • Special Education (SED)
      • Statistics (STA)
      • Theatre Arts (THE)
      • University Seminar (UNV)
      • Women, Gender and Sexuality Studies (WGS)
    • Course Search
    • Board of Trustees
    • Administration
    • Full Time Faculty
    • Professional Librarians
  • Graduate and Professional Studies Catalog
    • Introduction
    • Admissions
    • Financial Information
    • Academic Policies
    • University Services
    • Academic Facilities
    • Academic Programs
      • Administration of Justice
        • Administration of Justice and Homeland Security (M.S.)
        • Cybersecurity and Intelligence Certificate of Graduate Studies
        • Digital Forensics Certificate of Graduate Studies
        • Leadership in Justice Certificate of Graduate Studies
      • Business Studies and Economics
        • Innovation and Strategic Management (M.S.)
        • Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.)
        • Non-​Profit Management Certificate of Graduate Studies
        • Social Entrepreneurship Certificate of Graduate Studies
      • Counseling, Leadership, and Expressive Arts
        • Clinical Mental Health;​ Concentration in Holistic Counseling Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies
        • Clinical Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling Master of Arts (M.A.)
        • Holistic Clinical Mental Health Counseling Master of Arts (M.A.)
        • Holistic Counseling Master of Arts (M.A.)
        • Leadership Dynamics and Practice (M.A.)
        • Mental Health: Rehabilitation Counseling Concentration Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies
        • Professional Applications of the Expressive and Creative Arts Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies
        • Professional Applications of the Expressive and Creative Arts Certificate of Graduate Studies
        • Professional Leadership Certificate of Graduate Studies
        • Rehabilitation Counseling Master of Art (M.A.)
        • Substance Use Disorder and Treatment Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies
        • Substance Use Disorders Foundations in Holistic Studies Certificate of Graduate Studies
      • Fine Arts
        • Creative Writing, Low-​Residency Master of Fine Arts
      • Healthcare Administration
        • Cybersecurity in Healthcare Administration Certificate
        • Healthcare Administration Certificate of Graduate Studies
        • Healthcare Administration Master of Science (M.S.)
        • Healthcare Leadership Certificate of Graduate Studies
      • Humanities
        • Humanities Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
      • International Relations
        • International Relations Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
        • International Relations Master of Arts (M.A.)
      • Nursing
        • Nursing with a FNP concentration (M.S.)
        • Post-​MSN Doctorate of Nursing Practice
      • Psychology: Behavior Analysis
        • Behavior Analysis (M.S.)
      • RN-​BS Nursing Program (Professional Studies)
        • Nursing Professional Studies (RN-​BS)
    • Course Descriptions
      • Administration of Justice (ADJ)
      • Biology (BIO)
      • English (ENG)
      • Health Care Administration (HCA)
      • History (HIS)
      • Holistic Counseling (HLC)
      • Humanities (HUM)
      • International Relations (INR)
      • Leadership Dynamics and Practice (HLL)
      • Management &​ Business Admin (MGT)
      • Nursing (NUR)
      • Philosophy (PHL)
      • Psychology (PSY)
      • Rehabilitation Counseling (RHB)
      • Religious &​ Theolog Studies (RTS)
      • Sociology and Anthropology (SOA)
      • Statistics (STA)
      • University Seminar (UNV)
    • Course Search
    • Board of Trustees
    • Administration
    • Full Time Faculty
    • Professional Librarians
  • Archived Catalogs

100 Ochre Point Avenue
Newport, Rhode Island 02840 USA (opens in new window)

 (401) 847-6650

  • Salve Regina Facebook (opens in new window)
  • Salve Regina Instagram (opens in new window)
  • Salve Regina Twitter (opens in new window)
  • Salve Regina YouTube (opens in new window)
  • (opens in new window)
  • Salve Regina TikTok (opens in new window)
Social Media Directory

 2022-2023 Salve Regina University

Back to top

Print Options

  • Send Page to Printer

    Print this page.

  • Download Page (PDF)

    The PDF will include all information unique to this page.